Overview
Length: 10.8km
Elevation: 414m
Type: Loop
Time: 2hrs
Introduction
If you’ve been following this blog you know that Markus and I run a sauna-installation business.
We live in Denia. But often our work takes us around Spain and we always get a trail run in everywhere we go.
This time we were a bit closer to home.
Markus had a job on one of the stonking villas in Granadella: a new build that was getting kitted out with all the trimmings. We were working with a local solar installer in Javea called MiSolar on a fantastic job with underfloor heating, large solar setup, batteries, car chargers – the works!
Anyway.
We realized despite having done trail runs from Girona in the north to Malaga down south, we’d never done one in Granadella – and we live in Denia!
About Cala Granadella
Cala Granadella in Jávea is one of those places that makes you stop and think, “Wow, do I really live here?”
This small but spectacular cove has earned its reputation as one of Spain’s best beaches—not once, but twice, according to a national competition by Antena 3!
And it’s easy to see why.
The beach is a stunning crescent of coarse gravel, framed by dramatic cliffs and lush Mediterranean forest. It’s not the easiest place to get to with a winding descent through the Granadella Forest Park, but that’s part of the charm.
You feel like you’re discovering a hidden treasure.
(Except for the summer months, when it feels like half of Europe has discovered it too.)
But for trail runners like us, the real magic of Cala Granadella lies beyond the beach. The surrounding cliffs and hills are a protected area and crisscrossed with trails that offer one of the most scenic and challenging routes in the Marina Alta region.
The paths take you through fragrant pine forests, past historic ruins and up to viewpoints that offer sweeping panoramas of the coastline.
The Trail Running Route
Our adventure starts in the Cumbre del Sol urbanization on Polígono Pp Cds Girasoles, next to the Cañada del Sol horse stables.
From here the trail takes us on a breathtaking circular route through one of the most scenic – and challenging – landscapes in the area.
The route begins with a steep and rocky descent, leading us down to Cala Granadella. Our first major stop is the Mirador de Levante, an incredible viewpoint that offers panoramic views over the coastline and shimmering Mediterranean waters.
Continuing along the rugged cliffs, we reach the Castell de Granadella, an old 18th-century watchtower that once stood guard against North African pirates. History buffs might be interested to know that the British bombed this very structure during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century.
Just beyond, we pass the remnants of ochre mines (another one for the history buffs!).
Once we hit the beach at Cala Granadella we took a moment to soak it all in. It is sublie. The dazzling blue water, the rustic charm of the cove, and the sense of accomplishment from making it down in one piece!
But there’s no time to linger too long.
We follow the PR CV 354 road briefly before turning off onto a rugged ascent that winds through dense scrubland. The climb is tough, with sections requiring careful footwork on loose rock and a few areas where the path all but disappears. In some places, rockfalls mean scrambling is inevitable and the lack of shade makes hydration a must.
Once we power through the climb the reward is sweet. Spectacular views of the coastline and surrounding mountains.
The final leg takes us along the ridge, running high above the valley with pine forests on one side and open vistas on the other before completing the loop back to Cumbre del Sol.
There are a few technical scrambles with U-bolts and steel chains along cliff edges.
Top Tips:
- No shade, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
- Expect steep, rocky descents and tough uphill climbs.
- The trail is generally well-marked, but a GPS track can be helpful for trickier sections.
- Cala Granadella is a perfect spot for a breather – or a future swim when it’s warmer!
AllTrails route. “Cala de la Granadella”
What views!